Prior to experimentation, our team finalized comprehensive online safety training comprising instructional videos and proctored quizzes overseen by our team leader. This curriculum addressed fundamental laboratory techniques including proper pipetting and cell culture procedures. In strict compliance with iGEM safety regulations, we enacted containment protocols restricting work to approved organisms (Escherichia coli) to prevent environmental release. Additional in-person sessions with the biosafety committee reinforced these measures. Our consistent adherence to these protocols ensured a zero-incident safety record throughout wet lab investigations.

Our biosafety committee, led by a faculty member and comprising two research assistants, oversees workplace safety and hygiene standards. This team provides specialized safety training for all members and ensures personnel protection along with correct equipment usage during experimental operations.

1. Wear Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at All Times: This includes lab coats, safety goggles, gloves (nitrile/latex), and closed-toe shoes. Remove PPE before leaving the lab.
2. Know Emergency Procedures: Be familiar with the locations and operation of safety showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and emergency exits. Know the emergency contact numbers.
3. No Eating, Drinking, Smoking, or Applying Cosmetics: Absolutely no consumption of food or beverages, smoking, vaping, or applying makeup within the laboratory workspace.
4. Handle Chemicals and Equipment with Care: Follow specific protocols for handling hazardous chemicals. Never use unfamiliar equipment without proper training and authorization.
5. Maintain a Clean and Organized Workspace: Keep work areas clutter-free. Clean spills immediately using appropriate procedures. Dispose of waste correctly in designated containers (chemical, biological, sharps, general).
6. Label Everything Clearly: All containers (chemicals, solutions, cultures, waste) must be clearly labeled with contents, hazards, concentration, date, and your initials. Never use unlabeled containers.
7. Practice Aseptic Technique & Biological Safety: When working with biological materials (cells, microorganisms, DNA), strictly follow aseptic techniques to prevent contamination. Adhere to required biosafety levels (BSL-1, BSL-2, etc.) and containment procedures. Autoclave biohazardous waste.
8. Never Work Alone: Avoid working in the laboratory completely alone, especially when performing high-risk procedures or using hazardous materials. Inform colleagues or supervisors of your activities.
9. Properly Manage Sharps: Handle needles, scalpels, glass slides, and broken glassware with extreme caution. Dispose of all sharps immediately in designated, puncture-proof sharps containers. Never recap needles.
10. Report All Accidents, Spills, Injuries, and Near Misses Immediately: Promptly inform your supervisor/lab manager of any incident, no matter how minor, including spills, exposures, injuries, equipment malfunctions, or unsafe conditions. Complete any required incident reports.

These guidelines aim to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel, prevent accidents, and facilitate the smooth conduct of experiments.

General microbiology laboratory

Escherichia coli DH5α, Escherichia coli BL21

Accident reporting procedures must specify emergency contacts and the responsible instructor. Mandatory personal protective equipment—including lab coats, gloves, and eye protection—shall be worn during all lab work.

We are pleased to report incident-free laboratory operations with zero safety violations. Throughout experimental milestones and challenges, strict protocol adherence ensured safety. Moving forward, we remain committed to upholding high biosafety standards in all future work.